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Lab Operations Manager

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering is hiring a Lab Operations Manager. Reporting to the Unit Administrator, you will ensure laboratory safety and compliance by maintaining standards, managing emergency response teams, and communicating safety issues. You will manage a technical support team, overseeing performance, delegating tasks, and handling the technical center budget. You will address facility concerns, maintaining space assignments, and overseeing maintenance of specialized facilities. You will also manage renovation projects, collaborating on construction projects, and working with architects and contractors.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Responsibilities*

25% Laboratory Safety and Compliance:

+ Establish and maintain standards of laboratory and personnel safety, ensuring OSHA compliance.

+ Represent the department on the safety committee and AERO Internal Controls Committee, participating in monthly meetings.

+ Manage and coordinate the emergency response team, and plan and direct training exercises for various emergencies.

+ Maintain the chemical hygiene plan, material safety data sheets, and spill protection, control, and countermeasures.

+ Work with faculty and staff on lab use for research and teaching, identifying potential safety issues.

+ Communicate facility and safety issues to the AERO community and department leadership.

25% Technical Support Team Management:

+ Plan, coordinate, and supervise technical support for instructional and research labs.

+ Provide supervisory guidance, including performance appraisals, work schedules, career development, safety, and discipline.

+ Delegate work to ensure equitable distribution of responsibilities among the Tech Team.

+ Ensure consistent use of the Team Dynamics system to manage requests from faculty, staff, and students.

+ Delegate and monitor tickets daily, ensuring timely updates and resolution.

+ Administer the technical center budget, order equipment and supplies, and maintain technicians timekeeping and payroll.

25% Facilities Management:

+ Act as the point of contact for facility concerns such as temperature, repairs, and space requests.

+ Maintain a database of space assignments and updated floor plans.

+ Conduct space utilization analysis and make recommendations for optimal lab configuration.

+ Manage building and lab access systems.

+ Oversee maintenance for academic and research facilities, including specialized power-generating, high-vacuum, and high-pressure air pumping facilities.

+ Consult with users and vendors to ensure safe operational standards, maintenance, and repair of systems.

25% Facilities Renovation:

+ Manage and oversee renovation projects for academic and research facilities.

+ Collaborate with the Office of Facilities Planning on construction and renovation projects, ensuring safety and compliance.

+ Design, fabricate, and install digital, analog, and electromechanical systems for research projects.

+ Conduct special facility-related projects as assigned, including planning and coordinating construction and renovation projects.

+ Serve as a liaison with architects and contractors

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience

+ Supervisory experience

+ Strong knowledge of laboratory materials, methods, and equipment

+ Experience with the design and fabrication of laboratory equipment

+ Experience with hazardous materials handling and OSHA regulations

+ Knowledge of facility maintenance, including power-generating equipment, large air & vacuum systems, HVAC, electrical systems, and water pumps

+ Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing as it relates to renovation and construction

+ Intermediate project management skills, such as scheduling and budgeting

+ Excellent organization and technical skills, including the ability to organize complex operations, interpret technical plans, and relay updates respectfully and timely

+ Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work with a large and diverse population of faculty, students, staff, and visitors

+ Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities

+ High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

269694

Working Title

Lab Operations Manager

Job Title

Laboratory/Classroom Svcs Mgr

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

Aerospace Engineering

Posting Begin/End Date

10/14/2025 - 10/21/2025

Salary

$100,000.00 - $118,000.00

Career Interest

Facilities Operations

Instructional Services